I have been following Sherri and her blog since about the same time I started writing my own blog 5 years ago. (Gulp. Has it seriously been that long?) During that time, Sherri has become a real life friend. She is an amazing sewer and quilter, and about as nice and genuine of a person as you could meet. I got to watch part of Sherri's 'schoolhouse' session at Quilt Market last month where she shared the quilts and projects from her book. The block she is holding was made by her Grandmother who helped Sherri learn how to quilt. Originally, Sherri had asked her grandmother to make her a quilt, but her grandma said, "No" giving Sherri the chance to learn how to make a quilt herself. She said, "I've always been so grateful my grandmother told me 'No'."

(I loved that story - a good reminder as a mother to not just jump in and do or fix everything for my kids. I need to remember that it's okay to tell them "no" and let them have the opportunity to learn something new as well. Because, maybe they'll grow up and write a book about it or something cool like that.)

A Quilting Life, the book, is a beautifully, inspiring book full of about 20 project patterns including pillows, quilts, table runners, and bags.

The book contains lots of good information on quilting basics, including sections on things like labeling your quilts, applique, seams, half-square triangles, etc. I think this book is great for all different levels of quilters and sewers. Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resources with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.

As part of this blog tour for A Quilting Life, Sherri asked us to share our own thoughts on living "A Quilting Life." For me, a Quilting Life consists of:

Playing with color and texture

Oogling and petting pretty fabrics, only to eventually (when I get up the courage) cut it up into tiny pieces and to sew them back together again

Not being able to finish a project with out starting two or three more

A lot of thread on my clothing

Other amazing quilters that have been such an inspiration to me - and those who have become real-life friends in the process.

Really nice people that live in my house who put up with all of my piles of fabric, manic sewing binges and even the occasional pin on the floor or piece of thread in their food.

Thanks to the generosity of Sherri and C&T Publishers I have a copy of A Quilting Life to give away. If you'd like an opportunity to win a copy, leave a comment on this post, telling me an aspect of your own "Quilting Life." Giveaway open until Friday, June 14 at midnight, MST. GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

My quilting life is just starting, but I am already well acquainted with many bloggers who love quilting just as much as I do. I love the beautiful fabrics and lovely colors. I find it hard to say no to florals and new tools, esp. when they are on sale. I also find it difficult to finish a project when 2 or 3 lovely new ones are teasing me from the pages of my favorite magazine or new book.

262 comments:

One of the best parts of a quilting life for me is the ability to welcome a new member of the family with a handmade quilt (every baby should have one in my opinion). Another wonderful part of this life is all the friends that I have made. Quilting friends totally get my addiction to fabric and are willing to stop at any quilt shop!

Because when I'm on the move bteween college and home, my sewing machine isn't always available, I do a lot of sewing by hand, which means my projects go slowly. Spending so much time piecing little bits of fabric together in the garden, on the train, in my bedroom or at my desk means every quilt has a story, bits of memories woven into them and that's what I love with my quilting life.

I'm an introvert, so I love the quiet time with my machine. But I also love the chance to interact with the rest of the quilting bloggers. I enjoy making friends over miles and oceans who are as passionate about fabric and patterns and quilting as I am. It's such a blessing to have good friends cheering me on from all over the world.

It's always a thrill when I'm able to give someone a quilt as a gift, especially if it's unexpected. Not long ago on a whim I gave a quilt to a sweet lady who I've known casually for over 20 years. To me it was a small thing, but she was very excited, which really made my day.

This looks like a beautiful book. My quilting life is sporadic, depending on the needs of my family. But my favorite getaway time is spent in my sewing cubby, playing with scraps, trying to create something beautiful from them.

Part of my quilting life is getting so excited about a new or completed project that I show everyone in the house numerous times as I excitedly explain some special tidbit about my current project. They smile and graciously ooh and ahhh for me. :)

I'd have to say the main thing is four years ago when I got back into sewing (after years of dust gathering on my machine other than the yearly Halloween costume I made) I started my "life after kids graduated" in the quilting world! Found like-minded bloggers like yourself, swappers on flickr, quilt-alongs and a job at a quilt shop and my mind is constantly flowing with inspiration!

Some of my first memories are of playing on the floor in my Granma's sewingroom, with her big box of buttons ( I still have those buttons). I still remember the hum of her Singer shop machine in the background. My mother made many of our Sunday and our dress outfits, I wish I still had some of them. I hated home Ec in 7th grade and was a tomboy. So everyone in my family was extremely surprised when I taught myself to quilt about 24 yrs ago. I love to quilt and I've had a sewingroom since we bought our first house, it's my refuge and my favorite room in the house.

I too, have a family who has been dragged (I hope willingly) into my quilting and creating life. They ooh and ahh over all the things I bring out to show, they give their honest opinion, receive many of these items as gifts, and never seem to mind when these items take over any bare wall or table space. My 27 year old daughter just asked for, and got, her first sewing machine. We spent a couple days of my visit to Colorado picking out material and making curtains for her new house. And my 21 year old son patiently waits as I ask for his opinion. He recently asked me to make him a bag for his laptop....I was thrilled beyond belief!

I am a fourth generation quilter. I have been quilting with my mom and grandmother for 19 years now. Unfortunately my 89 year old grandmother has recently had to stop quilting because of her health. I treasure all those moments when we sewed and quilted together! Thanks for this fantastic opportunity!

I, too, have the "threads on my clothes" issue as part of my quilting life! I'm a longarmer, so I have to keep a lint roller in my car, in my kitchen, in my bedroom so I can "roll" my threads off and look presentable! :)

Quilting has been a part of my life since 1999. I love making quilts, being with other quilters through my guild and bee. They all inspire me. Quilting has also included blogging which means new friends, some of them I have actually met in person.

Playing with buttons that came out of my grandmothers hugh button box...I don't kknow why the little pieces of thread have to stick to our clothes, even when you think you have rolled them off with the sticky roller....thanks for the chance to win..

Quilting is a big part of my life. I recently finished a bigger than king sized Grandmother's Flower Garden that took 5,000 hexies and took two years. For two years those hexies went everywhere. Doctor's appointments, Tae Kwon Do, swimming, Jamaica, you name it when I couldn't or didn't want to be in front of my machine. I would work on a different machine pieced quilt when I could get in front of my machine but some portion of my quilting could go anywhere. Threads all over my clothes is regularly seen too. My quilting life is everywhere I want it to be!

I am a beginner quilter. I've sewn other things for years but am so enjoying making quilts.....the creative juices are flowing! I believe finding the quilting blogs on the internet was the inspiration to start this craft. This book looks wonderful.

I pretty much do some kind of sewing every day--I feel a little cheated if I don't get a needle and thread in my hands at some point! I love decorating my house with things that are hand worked--like feathering my nest!

My brain is always dreaming up a new quilt idea - I wish I had time to sew every idea I dream up! I love the creative outlet it gives me whether I'm making a gift, teaching a class, or just making something for me!

Ooooh, pick me, pick me!!!! Part of my quilting life means staring at endless patterns, stopping to comment on fabric in a store window (even if it's a pet store or something), and always thinking about every application for sewing, even if we're really talking about painting the walls or planting new flowers.

Living a Quilting Life means trying to find time between work, family, volunteer commitments, and housework, to get in as much quilting as I can. I began quilting in my 30's, and wish I learned sewing and quilting when I was growing up. I think about how much more I would have accomplished!!

Love the "thread on the clothes". So True! Nothing sweeter that choosing fabrics and making something beautiful that wasn't there before!Love your blog and love this book!satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net

Quilting has become a constant thing for my over the last few years. I love applique as well as quick to put together projects. I recently made a bag for my grandson to carry his cars and trucks in that had various vehicles printed on it. He uses it every day and asked me to make him one with trains on it. This book looks great and I would love to win it.

I love patchwork and quilting and like you I have to have several project on the go at any one time. I have tried to get better and have completed several UFO's over te past two years. But there is always a new project to entice us and therefore more fabric to purchase.

My four year old son begs me to sew - he loves playing in my sewing room with me and using all my scraps to decorate his toys (and to tie up the baddies!). As a result, I'm fortunate in that I still have plenty of opportunity to quilt - even with two kids under foot!

One day as I was getting ready to go out with my husband he looked at me and said "Why do you always have strings on your clothes". After that I bought a lint roller and try to clean off before I leave the sewing room.

Reading quilters' blogs gives me so much inspiration and instruction that I want to spend all my spare time quilting! Thanks for the giveaway ... would love to win a copy of the book (also one of my obsessions)

My quilting life means squeezing it in between dropping the older boys at school and picking them up, and getting the youngest settled with toys and snacks for little snippets at a time, or longer chunks of time after they've gone to bed. Hauling everything back and forth from the dining room table, because even though I have a nice sewing area in our basement, I can't keep an eye on the kids from there. Buying fabric because it's just so pretty, even though I don't have a project in mind for it.The book looks beautiful, thanks for a chance at a great giveaway!

Looks like a great book! Quilting is a new part of my life, one that seems to be replacing knitting (at leadt for now) as my craft obsession. My job is very analytical, so for me quiltingnis my creative outlet, where I can play with color and experiment wih fabric. It's also my little escape from my role as caregiver and nurterer to my son and my husband, who has a disability.

The best bit for me is the fabric, beautiful colours and textures and making new patterns by cutting up the fabric and sewing it back together again.(And possibly shutting myself away with my stash and just stroking and rearranging it - but we don't need to talk about that!)

I love fabric and beautiful colors. I enjoy quilting because I can see how much progress I have made over the years. I also love it that I can make something that will keep my family warm in the winter or give them something to sit on at a summer picnic. But mostly, I just really, really love fabric!

My sewing room is my "happy room" where I can relax and get away from the stresses of the day. I also enjoy the friendships I've developed with other quilters. They've become life-long friends. Thanks for the giveaway.

Quilting makes me happy and my family understands that thank goodness so they are happy to put up with me spreading my quilting throughout the house at times. I do try to keep it contained in the basement most of the time. :)

I just loving the peaceful feeling when I start to sew either in my sewing room or in the big chair with a hand project. Stress just seems to flow away with each stitch. The friends, fabric and wonderful gifts are all the bonuses that come a long with. "A Quilting Life"

HI! PART OF "MY SEWING LIFE" IS THE UPSTAIRS LOFT THAT I QUILT/SEW IN,JUST ENTERING THE AREA PLEASES ME.MY DH MADE A LARGE CUBICLE CABINET FOR FQ'S AND IT IS PAINTED A CHEERY BARN RED AND AROUND IT I HAVE PLACED OTHER RED ITEMS,ALSO A ROCKER AND MY OLD TEDDY BEAR.THEN THE NEEDFUL ITEMS,DESIGNING+CUTTING TABLE AND THE TABLE HOLDING MY SEWING MACHINE.WOULD LOVE TO WIN YOUR BOOK! THANKS SO FOR YOUR BLOG+INSPIRATION ♥

I feel very privileged to have grown up in a culture, Mennonite, where quilting circle, or sewing circles, were frequent and all the quilts and blankets we used, were handmade. I learned to piece a quilt for my doll at a young age, and then later learned hand quilting. I love to make quilts and come up with way more ideas for quilts than I'm able to make. I hand quilt for others, and so don't get to make too many quilts for myself. I wish I had a lot more of my own quilts all over my house.

For me quilting is a brand new interest, that I have taken to with great gusto and enthusiasm! I started seeing a lot of beautiful quilts on Pinterest and reached out to a quilter in my neighborhood who has become a dear friend. She invited me to sewing night where I learned to quilt in their "quilt school". 6 months ago I had never even used a sewing machine, now with 4 quilts under my belt I am hooked! I love the creativity, the puzzle, and of course the fabric - oh all of the fabric!

I love taking my passion for textiles to new heights! Quilting has given me a vehicle for showing those dear to me how much I love them...and besides where else can I have this much fun with math (my favorite subject ever!).

I enjoy needlework of all kinds and sometimes with travelling and all that life throws at me, I just need to feed that part of me, so I always try to have something portable. Embroidery quilt blocks, sewing down a binding, sometimes even piecing. My souls truly is fed by needle and thread!

I love the satisfaction I get from quilting and from being able to, while still striving for perfection, accept my little mistakes and flaws as a beautiful part of the process. It's made me a more easy-going person.

My fabric stash seems to have ended up divided in two: fabric I buy for me and fabric I buy with my little boys in mind. For some strange reason my side of the stash grows and grows but the other side is in a constant state of use and my two little boys are gaining a bunch of quilted treasures. They are happy and i'm happy to be simply able to create.

My quilting life is just starting, but I am already well acquainted with many bloggers who love quilting just as much as I do. I love the beautiful fabrics and lovely colors. I find it hard to say no to florals and new tools, esp. when they are on sale. I also find it difficult to finish a project when 2 or 3 lovely new ones are teasing me from the pages of my favorite magazine or new book.

An aspect of the Quilting Life for me is keeping my mind sharp by always dreaming and scheming my next project. Of course, this drives my husband crazy as, to him, I always appear to be "daydreaming." But really, I love figuring out the perfect pattern, doing the math if necessary, and playing with things like balance and scale and color.

My go to sweater for at-home wear - not to be seen in public. or even in the year if possible - It used to be a soft, fuzzy black - not t is literally a 'coat of many colours" with all of the bits of thread that it has collected over time from my favourite projects. It is it's own time machine. I'm afraid to wash it in case it falls apart and I shed consttntly when wearing it. lol.. Love it.

My quilting life took place between a professional, demanding job, family and 50 year tine as an active Bible Teacher. I saved patterns, purchased fabric, joined a quilt group and struggled to complete a quilt. Then Multiple Sclerosis and brittle diabetes set me down, unable to walk, barely talk or use my left hand. Rehab, spunk, prayers and a never give up spirit now find me able to again quilt and give away.Thanks for offering the giveaway. I live to quilt and quilt to live and give once more.

I love to sew and being able to go in my sewing room every day brings me much peace and joy. Designing and creating keeps my mind alert. Quilting has become a big part of my everyday life. I love the whole process of it.When I wake up in the morning, I think about what I am going to work on today and that is what inspires me to get up and get my day started every day. Thank you so much for a chance to win Sherri's book.

Quilting is frustrating and fulfilling all at once. Frustrating because it's hard to eek out the time I would like to spend. Fulfilling because when I do get to make and complete quilts it really fulfills a need in me. I guess if I followed less quilting blogs I would have more time, but honestly, I have learned so much and get so inspired that I make the time for it. So happy to have found your wonderful blog. Fingers crossed for that great book.

I love that I have a dedicated space in my house for quilting - I know a lot of quilters aren't so fortunate. If the room is messy I can just walk away and close the door - then pick up where I left of the next day - love it!

The best part of quilting for me is that it is just so much fun to do! There have been so many times in the last almost-40 years, that quilting provided challenge, reward, therapy, comfort, you name it!

It's such a great relaxing feelnig to be in front of my sewing machine...I love taking pieces of fabric and creating pieces of making them into something that can keep a loved one warm- inside and out!!

I had to chuckle when I read about you having strings all over yourself and an occasional pin on the floor. My husband is driven crazy by all the threads I leave on the floor! Once he asked, will this ever stop? He answered his own question with "I think I know the answer to that!" If I go out during a sewing session, I always wonder if I have threads across my butt! Really I do! I just tell myself at least another sewist would appreciate it and have a good laugh! I would love to win Sherrie's book - it looks amazing :)

Quilting has become such a habit in the last 10 years that I don't know what I would do if I couldn't just walk into my studio after work or on the weekend and just sew. It makes everything else just melt away.

I guess my quilting life began when I was too small to learn and could only play under the quilt frame while Mom and a friend quilted. The "menfolk" played cards downstairs. Mom's quilts were made to be used though so as much as I cherish them they have seen better days. She made most of my clothes and I can still pick out pieces of fabric that I remember the outfit. Love the opportunity to win this really wonderful book.

I so relate to the thread on my clothes aspect of a quilting life. wherever I go it seems like a kind friend is picking a white thread off me...guess I should just learn to wear only white! Also my husband swears nothing of his that gets ironed is without a loose thread here or there. Small price to pay for having so much fun! Thank you for this opportunity and also the immeasurable inspiration you and Sherrie provide!

A big part of my sewing life is hitting quilt stores wherever I travel! I just hit about 4, plus a small quilt show in Wyoming in my last travels! (one in Nevada, one in utah, and two in Wyoming!!) It's fun!

I could very much relate to starting two or three other projects before the first one is finished. My goal this year was to "finish two before anything new" but that resolution seriously failed by January 2nd! Thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book - All work always looks fabulous.

My quilting life consists of the few minutes I steal for myself each day, even if it's not sewing, I'm at least planning out something in my head or dreaming of what I am going to sew next and how it will look! Once in a while, I get to sit down to my machine and make it happen! Thanks for the chance!

An aspect of my quilting life that I enjoy is the sense of accomplishment when I finish something - a block, a quilt, a binding, etc. I work at a job that doesn't always give me something to point to when I finish a project and say, yes, I did that. With quilting, I can work an evening at my sewing machine and have something to show for it. It is very gratifying.

I love every aspect of quilting. It gives me the chance to make something homemade and give away to friends and family. It's a quilt, wall hanging, a bag, baby quilts that I love to make and hope someone can enjoy and use.

I love to quilt and find all parts of making the quilt fun! I would love to win Sherri's book to share with my DD as she is setting up her apartment and likes to sew, but hasn't fallen for quilting..yet. ;-) Thanks so much for the chance!

Quilting allows me to relax and free the thinking part of my brain I use for work...not that I am not thinking while I quilt but it is such a different process to create a quilt than what I do all day. It is amazing the problems I solve or things that become clearer after quilting without me even realizing they are "on my mind". Thanks for a chance to win.

Right now, my quilting life is in an upheaval - I'm preparing to move into a new room that we've added onto our home, and my current quilting room is a disaster!! Can't wait to get it all in one place and organized!!

I would love to win the book. I have been following her for quite some time. I am so glad that I got into quilting about 8 years ago. Going on shop hops, hanging out with my quilting friends at our retreats is what I love to do.

For me, quilting (and sewing, and embroidery) is a way to stretch my imagination and creativity. It is a chance to learn new skills (and I love to learn anything new). I love to see a project come together from start to finish. And I love to give away something handmade, that I put love into. And of course - the fabric!(majesticjenkinsATgmailDOTcom)

My quilting life developed over time. Growing up taller than all my friends, I learned to sew just to get garments that fit! As a young mother with two girls I made all their clothes as well as their coats and taught them to sew. Later life and I'm working, going back to school for a degree, more work and sewing got put aside. After I retired I found a picture of a quilt I had saved from a magazine dated 1957! Now was the time to make my first quilt and I was hooked! That was 2005 and I now have 3 sewing machines, 1 embroidery machine and a 10 x 20 portable building that is all mine. And, most important of all, a husband that encourages me to sew to my hearts content. Life is good.

The best part of my quilting life is being able to give the quilts I make away to friends, family and everyone I love. I also appreciate how the quilting process lessens stress for me during difficult times.

My favorite thing about quilting is that it becomes an heirloom. I have a great time (and frustrating times) making quilts and then it's even better seeing the look on their face when I hand the quilt over to them. It's even better seeing a new baby snuggled up in something you made and knowing that it will last a lot longer then some toy they may out grow.

A big part of my quilting life is giving quilted gifts! I love giving table runners, wall quilts, tote bags, baby quilts, etc. Also, I am making a quilt for each of my boys' major milestones. Besides the fact that I have always loved giving handmade gifts, it helps me justify my fabric purchases!!! I'm loving the looks of this book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

One part of the quilting life that is important to me is the process of problem solving , improvising, and creating - skills that get honed during the years of raising kids and can get a bit rusty once the nest is empty! Quilting gives me the satisfaction that comes with creating something that adds beauty to the world.

I love making quilts that get used! I don't want them put in a glass case and set aside, never to be touched. I love making them for our nieces and nephews who I know will put the sturdiness of my seams to the test as they happily drag them around the house, sleep on them, play on them and just love them forever :)

I make a lot of my quilts from scraps that I have been given by other people, which means I don't always have a full "line" of matched fabrics to work with. Sometimes this is a good thing as it forces me to become more creative. I have, though, bought several bundles recently in some favorite colors and designs as there are some things I just CAN'T resist!

Well, I am either sewing every day or thinking about quilts and fabric. I can't believe how I fall in love with fabrics. Love the precuts of an entire collection and how they all work together and compliment each other. I enjoy following the blogs and get a lot of inspiration from them. Thank you for all you do and thanks for a chance to win the book. It looks great!

Well, I am either sewing every day or thinking about quilts and fabric. I can't believe how I fall in love with fabrics. Love the precuts of an entire collection and how they all work together and compliment each other. I enjoy following the blogs and get a lot of inspiration from them. Thank you for all you do and thanks for a chance to win the book. It looks great!

One part of my quilting life is the joy and sense of accomplishment and wonder I feel when I make something, and then look at it afterwards and realize I really did create something that adds beauty to the world. Quilting is so wonderful!!

My quilting life is my life completely wrapped sound my grandchildren I always have a project in progress for them. When I am gone they will have Their memories and some things sewn for each of them from me

Well, I love bags and table runners as I am new and trying with them, too much difficult a quilt a big one, ata the moment I am doing a small one! I love doing t-shirts of patchwork, and specially to my kids, now planning the same one for my daugter and myself.Nothing better than sharing with my family my hobbies!!Kisses from Sapin

My favorite part of my quilting life is sharing time with my DH. I think he has just as much as I do. We bought a second sewing machine so that he can sew along with me. He enjoys coming up with different patterns for us to make or make fun of. lol I definitely got a keeper! :D

Oh and everything you already mentioned, adding taking up the entire kitchen/kitchen table and refusing to move anything until I am done with it. :)

Learning to quilt stretches me in ways that I never thought I would be stretched. Thinking about color, pattern, design, techniques. Looking at buildings and sidewalks in a new way. As I learn more, I figure out there is more to learn and thinking about! Thanks for putting my name in the hat for the drawing - book will have lots of ideas of me to think about and to sew! Thanks!

Looking at the same quilting magazines over and over again - partly because they never get old and partly because I live in Africa and only get my hands on new magazines during furloughs, every two-three years.

I love that I can see progress as i move through the creative process- each block makes the top bigger, then it takes life with sashing and looks different again with quilting. At first I didn;t understand when a friend told me that the quilt would tell me how to quilt it .... I understand now. And then the joy of using or giving the quilts. A great hobby!

Part of my quilting life is making a quilt for each of my family members. So far I have finished one and have two others in progress. It is so much fun to give someone something that you have put so much work into.

My favorite memories of my great-grandmother are of hanging out under her (enormous!) quilt frame while she pinned and pinned! After she died, I sort of took up the quilting mantle :) I only wish I had begun sooner.

Part of my quilting life is being able to make my home have personality, comfort and beauty with things I can create with fabric along with a little time and patience. It's so fun to see quilts and be able to make them for our homes and friends.

I'm new to quilting. It's the colors of the fabrics that I see when I go to the stores for other crafting materials that is driving my need to dive into the quilting world. I found your hour glass block tutorial and it looks like something that I can handle. I want to replace a the worn out quilt (the only one I ever made, 30 years ago) used by my son for the past 20 years. Thank you for all the I info in your blog and tutorials!

Would love to win this book. I can't remember if I commented here or not. I can't find my name on the list, but I remember writing how I incorporate quilting in my life. It's gifts, household quilts to collect cat's hair on the furniture, etc.

I find quilting a great stress reliever. When there are things going on in life that cause stress it's nice to work on something you can control and see an end product. There are several things I'd love to make from this book. It's on my wish list.

clovercreations15@yahoo.com Thanks for a chance to win Sherri's book. I love all aspects of quilting and now reading quilting blogs I have found is really inspirational!! Some day I am going to get brave enough to start my own blog. Cindy

Hi I have just discovered that there are some really great blogs out there with quilting. I love to read new ideas and tips from them. Besides collecting fabric love the feel of fabric I then take what I learned to make cute gifts. Thanks for the chance to win. Love ur blog

Aspects of a quilting life: to me that means what's important and what I value. Recently, it's been the discovery of alot of blogs on quilting, sewing, crafting, cooking, organizing, embroidery, etc. There is so much inspiration and encouragement to find and do what makes you happy.

Like you, I have issues with cutting into fabric. But it's all part of the process :)

I belong

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